Telangana: Drunk driving will cost you Rs 10,000

HYDERABAD: Soon, motorists caught drunk driving will have to cough up a fine of Rs 10,000 while those without a licence will have to shell out Rs 5,000 penalty. At present, the fines are Rs 2,000 and Rs 500, respectively. The new penalties for violation of traffic rules may come into force from September 1. As per the Motor Vehicle Act, which was amended recently, fines have been increased up to 10 times for a few violations. The amended Act also proposes that if someone fails to give way for emergency services, including an ambulance, they would have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000. However, a section of motorists and auto unions fear the new penalties might lead to corruption as paying bribes would turn out to be cheaper than paying hefty fines. Telangana Auto and Motor Welfare Union general secretary M Dayanand said higher fines would only mean more corruption. “Although, the government’s intent is to bring in discipline among motorists and in turn reduce road accidents by increasing the fine, higher fines would mean more bribes, which would also be a deterrent to those breaking the law.” “For a motorist, paying a bribe of Rs 1,000 instead of coughing up Rs 10,000 for breaking a traffic rule will be more convenient,” he said. A few motorists argue that while it might increase discipline among a section of the public, misuse remains a cause of concern. “Not everyone can afford to pay fines ranging between Rs 5000 and Rs 10,000. Most errant motorists may grease the palms of traffic police to get away with fines,” Lokesh Kumar, a resident of Tarnaka, said. However, some motorists opined that the revised penalties would be a deterrent, not to break rules.

Hyderabad additional commissioner of police, (traffic), Anil Kumar said, “It (amended bill) is a must step for safety and discipline among motorists.” “We will seize vehicles if the driver is not able to pay fine. Breaking the law or trying to bribe traffic police will not work,” Kumar added.